Don't become a statistic on the roads this holiday period

Every year across the holidays we hear of the deadly road toll that claims the lives of drivers and passengers.

Forty nine lives were tragically lost on Australian roads across the Christmas 2012 holiday period according to the Holiday Road Toll* compiled by Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency (ANZPAA).

The Queensland Government's recent campaign 'Join the Drive' is encouraging people to think about road safety across the Christmas break.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the campaign comprises more than 420 interviews with everyday Queenslanders from around the state.

"For the first time, it is the community driving the message about how individuals can improve safety on our roads instead of being dictated to by government.

"We hope these real stories featured on TV, radio and online ads over the Christmas period will spark a change in behaviour when it comes to the fatal five speeding, drink driving, seatbelts, driving tired and distractions such as mobile phones.

"Losing loved ones, or having them injured in road crashes is everyone's worst nightmare, particularly at Christmas, yet every year this is a scenario faced by too many families," Mr Emerson said.

According to the National Road Safety Strategy 2011 to 2020 there are approximately 1400 deaths and 32,500 serious injuries as a result of traffic incidents in Australia each year, costing the Australian economy $27 billion.

In Queensland there were 280 fatalities and more than 6,300 hospitalisations due to road accidents; thousands however managed to walk away physically unharmed.

What to do after an accident

When shock and adrenaline take over after you've had a car accident - do you know what to do?

Mike Sopinski, from the motoring body RACQ, says the shock of a car accident can often mean that 'common sense' won't necessarily prevail.

"It may be hard to think clearly after the incident and even harder to remain calm.

"Firstly if anyone is hurt render all possible assistance - but it is important to check for danger before doing so, and call the police and ambulance services immediately.

Mr Sopinski says that motorists need not always call police to the scene of an accident - it all depends on the severity.

"Motorists must report the accident to police immediately if a vehicle involved needs to be towed; any driver involved in the crash does not give his or her details to the other driver involved; any person is killed or injured and if you expect drugs or alcohol may be involved.

"Motorists are [also] required by law to contact the nearest police station if the estimated total damage to property other than the driver's vehicle exceeds $2500.

Mr Sopinski says in the event that police are not called to the scene, you should exchange details with the other drivers involved.

"Where a vehicle is damaged in a crash involving another vehicle the driver should obtain the full name, residential address and phone number of all other drivers; and the registration numbers and insurance details of all others involved."

Most insurance policies require you to report the accident to your insurer as soon as you can after an accident, even if you do not intend to make a claim because the other driver may claim against you.

Mr Sopinski says it pays to think about what to do if you find yourself in an accident ahead of time:

Call triple 0 if any party involved is injured or damage to property is significant

Report the incident to police

Exchange details with the other driver/s.

What you shouldn't do:

don't admit liability

don't authorise repairs to anyone's property

undertake repairs unless emergency repairs / advised by insurer

negotiate pay, settle or agree to settle a claim with any individual

Legal Aid Queensland has more information about what do to in the event of a vehicle accident at their website.

*The national road toll period runs from December 23, 2012, until January 3, 2013, local times, in line with the Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Board.

Forty nine lives were tragically lost on Australian roads across the Christmas 2012 holiday period according to the Holiday Road Toll. The Queensland State Government are urging motorists to take care this year
(ABC Local)